Dalbeattie Star were “relentless” against St Cuthbert Wanderers.
The South of Scotland League champs rattled eight goals past the Kirkcudbright side without reply.
And boss Eddie Warwick said: “We were relentless – we’re in a good place, we’ve had a good run in the league and domestic cups.
“We were missing four and you can argue they are big players for us, especially at that level. We can and will get stronger when these players come back.
“We were a bit scrappy for 20 minutes in the second half, we were passing up chances and weren’t potent enough.
“I’m not being arrogant or cocky, I just don’t like to come out the groove and start to do silly things. We’re working so hard on our strength and depth. It’s scary how strong we’ll be once we get three or four back, we want to be able to make subs and have the intensity stay exactly the same.”
Star showed no mercy to the side from Kirkcudbright, recent signing Phil Middlemiss heading them in front after less than a minute.
Adam Jamieson quickly made it two and when Kyle Higgins got the third midway through the first half if it was as good as game over, goals from Cammy Shaw and Middlemiss taking the tally to five by the break.
There was some respite for Saints in the second half, Star not getting their sixth until Russell Williamson found the net 20 minutes from the end.
Middlemiss then completed his hat-trick before Connor Potts made it eight.
Warwick said: “I’m not saying we needed to bolster the attacking side of the team, but Phil had said he wants to be available and he’s a good player.
“We have the lion’s share of the ball and are continually pressing. I think it suits him and it’s evident in the goals he’s picking up.”
Saturday means Star have rattled in 44 goals in just eight league games this season. And they could improve that tally further on Saturday as they face Saints again, this time in Kirkcudbright.
However, Warwick warned: “It’ll be a totally different game and I made the players aware of that after Saturday.
“It’s Astroturf, it’s a smaller pitch, it’s an away game, it’s totally different.
“We’ll maybe need to try to tweak the way we play. We use the size of the pitch at Islecroft to our advantage so it’ll be a totally different game.
“Saints will be very angry and will be trying their best to make sure we get a tougher time.
“It doesn’t matter what position they’re in, they always get the same respect and we won’t allow any complacency or over confidence.”